Reduction of Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index Through Intra-Dialytic Aerobic Training
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- 2Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- 3Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
- 4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- 5Department of Urology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Abstract
Background: Increased arterial stiffness elevates mortality in chronic kidney disease. Limited available data suggest that regular exercise can reduce arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of intra-dialytic aerobic training on arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Outpatients undergoing hemodialysis were randomized to a 20-week intra-dialytic aerobic training group (bedside ergometer exercise) or a control group receiving standard care. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). CAVI measurements, functional fitness tests, laboratory analyses, and quality-of-life assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: A significant decrease in CAVI was observed in the intra-dialytic aerobic training group (−5%; p = 0.037). Concurrently, significant improvements occurred in VO2peak/kg (+31%; p = 0.015), 6 min walk test (6 MWT) distance (+18%; p = 0.005), clearance (URR +2%; p < 0.001; Kt/V +6%; p = 0.001), and select quality-of-life parameters (social support +9%; p = 0.022; general health +25%; p = 0.008; well-being +3%; p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in the control group. Conclusions: The reduction in arterial stiffness confirms the efficacy of intra-dialytic aerobic training in improving overall health status. Consequently, CAVI appears to be a valuable tool for monitoring arterial stiffness changes in hemodialysis patients.
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BibTeX
@article{havelkova2026reduction,
title = {{Reduction of Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index Through Intra-Dialytic Aerobic Training}},
author = {Alena Havelková and Petr Dobšák and Petr Dvořák and Michal Pohanka and Alena Pokorná and Marie Nováková and Petr Filipenský},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/jcm15208005},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/20/8005},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Reduction of Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index Through Intra-Dialytic Aerobic Training
AU - Alena Havelková
AU - Petr Dobšák
AU - Petr Dvořák
AU - Michal Pohanka
AU - Alena Pokorná
AU - Marie Nováková
AU - Petr Filipenský
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Journal of Clinical Medicine
DO - 10.3390/jcm15208005
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/20/8005
AB - Background: Increased arterial stiffness elevates mortality in chronic kidney disease. Limited available data suggest that regular exercise can reduce arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of intra-dialytic aerobic training on arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Outpatients undergoing hemodialysis were randomized to a 20-week intra-dialytic aerobic training group (bedside ergometer exercise) or a control group receiving standard care. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). CAVI measurements, functional fitness tests, laboratory analyses, and quality-of-life assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: A significant decrease in CAVI was observed in the intra-dialytic aerobic training group (−5%; p = 0.037). Concurrently, significant improvements occurred in VO2peak/kg (+31%; p = 0.015), 6 min walk test (6 MWT) distance (+18%; p = 0.005), clearance (URR +2%; p < 0.001; Kt/V +6%; p = 0.001), and select quality-of-life parameters (social support +9%; p = 0.022; general health +25%; p = 0.008; well-being +3%; p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in the control group. Conclusions: The reduction in arterial stiffness confirms the efficacy of intra-dialytic aerobic training in improving overall health status. Consequently, CAVI appears to be a valuable tool for monitoring arterial stiffness changes in hemodialysis patients.
SN - 2077-0383
ER -